The topic of today's post has to do with loving yourself. I am going to talk about what that means for me as writer because I think I have made some serious headway in the last few weeks.
In my adult life, when people find out I'm a writer, they always always say "Oh, so you must write children's books." I'm sure they assume that because of my day job as a teacher that must be my niche. I used to feel funny admitting that no, my books are actually for adults. I know my "branding" saying I'm a young adult author...but I have recently come to the conclusion that that might not be true anymore. I think I'm really a romance writer. No, I don't think I'm meant for Harlequin, and I'm certainly not one of those people who wants ripped guys on her covers (Though my ghost writing novellas have them on there), but I truly enjoy writing a story where two people fall in love and get their happily ever after. Sometimes they go through hell and back to get there. Sometimes it's a bit more simpler. Sometimes it takes place in a medieval world, or a place on the verge of an apocalyptic war, sometimes it takes place in Denver Colorado, but all of my stories have some semblance of romance in them. Why should I be ashamed of that? Why should I hide it if that's what I'm good at? Is it because of my job? Was it because of previous bosses? Was I worried that people would judge me? As you know, I am in the process of trying to release my newest Squad Treble book and have been having beta readers look at it. I had one who is a high school teacher be extremely critical of it, Cassie especially saying that she doesn't talk and act like a high school freshman. Then I got to thinking...all of my other main characters are 18-27. That's probably part of the problem and that's okay. Most of my stories lately have college kids...maybe it's time to accept that I'm not reaching my intended audience because I should be finding older readers and I'm okay with that too. Will people think less of me because I write romance? Maybe. I'm just happy I'm figuring this out now while I still have my whole career to sort it out. Does this mean I won't write YA again? Who knows, but I won't force it, I'll take myself where creativity flows. If you enjoy a genre or a trope or something that might make you happy, but isn't super popular, do what's best for you. Embrace that cozy mystery writer, or that fantasy world builder. Who knows what will happen when you do? Now to rebrand myself, Kay
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